Livet förändras

: upplevelser av att leva nära en person med hjärtsvikt

Abstract

Background: Heart failure is a chronic disease and effects life both for the ill person and their family. The prognosis is serious and can be compared with cancer. More people receive care in their home which increases the demands in self-care and their families’ participation. With the disease come new responsibilities, which families aren’t always prepared for, including new roles. Aim: To describe experiences of living close to a person with heart failure. Method: A literature review was conducted which was based on twelve qualitative and three quantitative scientific articles. Results: Four main categories were identified: experience of uncertainty, changing roles, physical and psychological effects and social effects. Conclusion: Heart failure changes the lives of the families. It involves new demands and adjustment in every-day-life and affects both their physical and mental health. The risk of developing health problem increases. The consequences of living close to a person with heart failure are many, especially if they are older and have health problems of their own. Nurses need to be aware of families’ experiences to be able to support them. We believe that both the ill person and their family can benefit from nurses making their experiences visible.